Effect on Wildlife

Effect on Wildlife

What is happening to our wildlife?

Laysan Albatross

Many of our wildlife are showing the signs from the polluted food and water they are exposed to with either gender alterations, reproductive complications, biological mutations, tumors or death. The exposure to endocrine disruptors has escalated with the increase of chemical toxins.These various chemicals, ( e.g. phthalates, bisphenol-A, triclosan ) we use in everyday life have the ability to disrupt physiological functions of the endocrine glands, because they act like hormones in the endocrine system.- often referred to as estrogen mimickers or xenoestrogens.

In general, people are very much hormonal beings: our hormones dictate the activities and the workings of the body: even tiny amounts of hormones orhormonally active agents can influence our hormonal balance. These hormonal disruptions can cause emotional outbursts or strange mood swings, changes in our way of perceiving reality, can cause serious diseases and malformations - especially if we are permanently exposed to these estrogen mimickers. Alterations in male reproduction were first observed in wild animals, when it was discovered that the accidental exposure of estrogenic chemicals in the natural environment on wildlife was causing changes in male reproductive function. Changes discoverd varied from very subtle changes to permanent alterations, such as feminization or changes in sexual organs.

The most popular study was that of the male reproductive functions of alligatorsin two lakes in Florida. They found that adult male alligators in Apopka Lake, which was polluted with agricultural waste and exposed to a major chemical spill in 1980, had low testosterone levels. This resulted in the alligators developingvery small penises (micropenises) and disorganized testes. At the time that the study was done, the chemicals could not be detected in the water, but remained in the body of animals living in the lake. ​Documentation around the world has shown similar serious alterations of reproductive activity and reproductive organs, feminization of male organs and other problems with physiology in fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals!The same alterations is taking place further up the food chain-to humans!

Ingestion of Plastics

Laysan Albatross chick remains

Remains of Laysan Albatross chick with clear examples of ingested plastic flotsam. They are the probable cause of death due to their situation within the remains. The Cousteau team has shown that ingested plastic is a frequent cause of death for these birds. This may be due to the fact that floating debris often becomes covered with a layer of plant life, marine crustaceans and their eggs, which is appealing to albatross ( Source: Wikepedia)

What happens with ingesting plastics?

As with the albatross many of the wildlife ingest these plastics.Some of these long-lasting plastics end up in the stomachs of marine birds and animals, and their young, including sea turtles and the Black-footed Albatross. Besides the particles' danger to wildlife, on the microscopic level the floating debris can adsorb organic pollutants from seawater, including PCBs, DDT, and PAHs. Aside from toxic effects, when ingested, some of these are mistaken by the endocrine system as estradiol, causing hormone disruption in the affected animal.These toxin-containing plastic pieces are also eaten by jellyfish, which are then eaten by larger fish.Many of these fish are then consumed by humans, resulting in their ingestion of toxic chemicals. Marine plastics also facilitate the spread of invasive species that attach to floating plastic in one region and drift long distances to colonize other ecosystems. ( Source: Wikepedia)

Further up the food chain - Gender Benders

Man with breasts

Humans are ingesting many of these phthalates (remember they come from plastic bottles, plastic bags, perfumes, household cleaners, shampoos, deodorants etc.) (see Study`s highlights) and view video under plastics- estrogen imposters) plus the many other chemical compounds that mimic estrogen causing hormone disruption.Not only do plastics raise estrogen levels and turn males into more females- but they also have been linked to cancer (especially when heated). !! The rise in women`s breast cancer is attributable to the rise in plastics,( BP-A & Phthalates) which are causing the gender benders plus household dishwashing detergents, laundry detergents, deodorants, perfumes - all those products that contain phthalates and other toxic endocrine disrupting chemicals like Triclosan !

Phthlalates are also used to help fragrances last longer. And cleaning products that want to be competitive use fragrances in their products.Avoiding artificial fragrances is important to you and the environment.BP-A & Triclosan are poisoning millions of men everyday and our government refuses to take action- But you can, by not donating money to these companies that pollute you and the environment! Purchase instead - and contribute to - eco-friendly, real green essentials` products.The most toxic chemicals that surround us every day, from bisphenol A in food containers and baby bottles and triclosan in hand soaps, sanitizers, detergents to PBDEs, (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) in household furniture and hormone disrupting phthalates in toys.

Bottlenose Dolphins with Triclosan!!

Triclosan is also showing up in dolphins near South Carolina and Florida in concentrations known to disrupt hormones, growth and development in other animals.A new study found that one-third of the bottlenose dolphins tested off South Carolina and almost one-quarter of those tested off Florida carried traces of triclosan in their blood.

What can you do?You my friend, can help marine life significantly - by changing your dishwashing detergent, laundry soap, hand soap, shampoo, in fact - all your personal care and household items. Everything that you use goes down that drain and into the water table and eventually out to the oceans. Tell others to make the changes too - one by one- it will have an impact. We will change the system by mass consciousness of doers.Changes in your home will help to stop the production of many of these toxic chemicals - after all - it`s consumer demand- so how you spend your money does speak - it`s a question of awareness and commitment- by you sharing too, the numbers grow. Thank you for your concern and care if you have reached this far on this page - it does show that you`re interested to make a change- it really is easy- to order your own real green essentials. click here to order your own stainless steel water bottles with special filter. Mother earth thanks you!